Michele

How can I tell if I'm a victim of identity theft?

Open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth and Social Security number. When they use the card and don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.

Call your credit card issuer pretending to be you and ask to change the mailing address on your credit card account. Because the bills are being sent to the new address, it may take some time before you realize there's a problem.

Take out auto loans in your name.

Establish phone or wireless service in your name.

Forge counterfeit checks or debit cards and drain your bank account.

Open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.

File for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying the debts they've incurred in your name, or to avoid eviction.